An ode to the emotions every woman experiences as she makes a courageous choice, the new line symbolises this journey via bold silhouettes and exquisite embellishments.
Founded in 2023 by mother-of-four, Sumeha Mehaboob Qasim alongside mother-of-three, Creative Director, Mayasa Al Noofli, the idea for Aquillora was born in 2017, in the quest to create a niche brand for the modern, modest woman. “The name Aquillora is derived from two Latin words Aquila (meaning, eagle and representing the freedom that comes with courage) and Nora (which means honour, with which all actions must be conducted).” The brand shares.
With a mission to push stereotypical boundaries of quality through elevated, chic and timeless styles, Aquillora aims to carve its own distinct path in the world of fashion, both regionally and internationally.
“Aquillora is a canvas that fuses fluid silhouettes, delicate embellishments, contrasting colours and bold patterns boasting well-crafted and sophisticated stitching. The aim is to create designs that are both artistically elegant but also work as timeless, wearable styles that can live on not just for months, but years in people’s lives.”
Paying homage to exquisite craftsmanship, each design in the debut, The Courage Spur collection, is a representation of the five emotional stages a woman experiences as she makes courageous choices. These stages are aptly named as The Choice, The Overcoming, Courage, The Dispersion and Serenity.
Choice showcases long dresses and two-toned abayas. “Fused with beaded belts and contrasting sleeves hand-embroidered with beads, each design exudes refined sensibility.” The collection flows through to the next stage, The Overcoming, which features silhouettes of coat-style abayas and asymmetrical pant suits enhanced with subtle, yet vivid embroidery patterns.
“Telling the magical tale of possibility and power, the collection moves to the next stage known as Courage. Flowy silhouettes of pleated dresses and structured designs of abaya-style coat completed with a statement belt portrays the power within every woman. In this stage, Aquillora explores the versatility of colour-blocking on abayas which emanates a sense of ease.”
The Dispersion showcases striking silhouettes punctuated with playful thread and beaded embroidered elements, manifesting a colourful aura. “The energy expressed through the journey leads into the final stage, Serenity. Structured-yet-voluminous styles with pleated details radiate a sense of inner tranquillity and solace.
Embracing the joy of courageous self-expression, we cannot wait to watch this Middle Eastern fashion brand grow…